Understanding Social Security Benefits

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Social security as the basis of our retirement income represents two facts:

  • Social security is achievement and lifetime membership.
  • Social security benefits do not lose value because financial adjustments are made from time to time.
  • How Social Security Works

    You pay your taxes to social security while you work which becomes part of your income when you retire or become disabled. You really get the benefits you deserve when you work. Therefore, the longer you work and the more money you make, the higher your social security benefits will be.

    The amount of social security pension benefits is based on the following factors:

  • How much time do you spend in the world of work
  • How much money do you make.
  • Your age when you start receiving benefits.
  • To qualify for social security retirement benefits, you must earn at least 40 social security credits in social security-covered employment. You can start receiving retirement benefits at age 62. If you wait until you are old enough to start receiving benefits, you will get a higher amount each month.

    Whether you qualify for retirement or disability benefits, your spouse and dependents can also receive monthly checks.

    Social security is the dominant source of income for individuals aged 65 and over. They depend on social security benefits for more than 50 percent of their income.

    According to social security agency records, more than 47.5 million people receive monthly benefits.

    Apply for Allowances

    Social security benefits are not paid automatically. You must apply to them using a special form. When applying, you will need to provide several documents such as a social security card, birth certificate and proof of citizenship (if you were not born in the country). Depending on the type of benefit you are applying for, you will be asked to produce certain documents. You can also apply online or contact your local social security office to apply.

    Planning Your Social Security Benefits

    Social security also serves as an alternative source of income. When planning your social security benefits, you should consider the following factors:

  • Benefit amount – The amount of benefit you will receive can be calculated by comparing its value with the amount stated in the annual report sent to you.
  • Time – The age for receiving full retirement benefits was raised from 65 to 67 years. The exact age for your full retirement will depend on your date of birth.
  • Employed – If you plan to continue working, you may still receive your benefits. If you are younger than your retirement age, you can only work and make money to a certain extent without reducing your profit amount. After reaching retirement age, the income threshold will decrease.
  • Who Can Help You

    Pursuing social security benefits often requires a thorough understanding of social security law and how the system works. In order to increase a person’s chances of success in obtaining his claim, he needs the services of a knowledgeable social security attorney. A social security attorney who specializes in benefits and claims can help you achieve your goals.

    For a better view of the rest of matters surrounding Social Security Disability Claims, please contact our experts and highly commended Los Angeles Attorneys.

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